Pain When Pressing on Tooth After Filling: What You Need to Know

Q: Pain When Pressing on Tooth After Filling: What You Need to Know

Hello： 1. To determine if cavities have been completely cleaned, X-rays can be taken as evidence. 2. If there are indeed residual caries, the tooth itself has some resistance (the dental pulp's vitality will activate immune mechanisms). 3. It is advisable to s

Pain upon pressure after filling a cavity between the teeth?

Hello Dr.
Lin! In mid-August, after moving, I found a new dentist, Dr.
A, near my new home for a routine teeth cleaning.
During the visit, she discovered a cavity in the interproximal area of my lower right second molar and advised me to schedule an appointment for a filling (she mentioned that the cavity was not very deep).
After the filling, I noticed pain while eating, so I returned to Dr.
A.
She examined it with air, percussion, and X-rays, and said everything looked fine, advising me to monitor it at home.
However, the pain persisted while eating.
In October, I consulted Dr.
B, who also examined it with air, percussion, and X-rays, and concluded that everything appeared normal.
He then adjusted the occlusion slightly and suggested we see how it goes.
Recently, in November, I realized that the pain was not from chewing but rather from pressing on the area of the cavity (the interproximal surface), not the occlusal surface.
I have already scheduled an appointment with Dr.
B, but it won’t be for another 10 days.
I would like to ask Dr.
Lin: 1.
Could the pain from pressing indicate that the cavity was not completely cleaned out during the filling? 2.
If the cavity was not cleaned out properly, considering it has been three months since the filling, could the decay inside be quite severe now? (Although I currently do not have spontaneous pain or sensitivity to hot or cold.) 3.
Should I wait for Dr.
B's appointment in 10 days, or should I seek another dentist for an examination sooner? Dr.
B was recommended by my family, and I am hesitant to find another dentist at this point.
Wishing you peace and good health!

Wúzhù de shàngbānzú, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/10

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: 1.
To determine if cavities have been completely cleaned, X-rays can be taken as evidence.
2.
If there are indeed residual caries, the tooth itself has some resistance (the dental pulp's vitality will activate immune mechanisms).
3.
It is advisable to seek treatment from a trusted dentist, as dental diseases are not emergencies, and there is no need to rush into treatments that you do not want.

Reply Date: 2023/11/10

More Info

Dear patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the pain you are experiencing after your dental filling. It’s understandable to feel anxious when dealing with dental issues, especially when the pain persists despite previous evaluations. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Pain When Pressing on the Tooth: The pain you feel when pressing on the tooth could indeed indicate that there may be residual decay that was not completely removed during the filling process. If the cavity was deep or close to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), it is possible that some infected tissue remains, which can lead to discomfort when pressure is applied. Additionally, if the filling material is too high or not properly contoured, it can cause discomfort when biting or pressing on the tooth.

2. Severity of the Condition: If there is indeed residual decay, it could potentially worsen over time, leading to more significant issues such as pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp) or even an abscess if bacteria proliferate. However, the absence of spontaneous pain or sensitivity to hot and cold is a positive sign, indicating that the pulp may still be healthy. Nonetheless, it is crucial to address any lingering pain or discomfort, as untreated decay can lead to more severe complications.

3. Waiting for Your Appointment: Given that you have already scheduled an appointment with Dr. B, it is generally advisable to wait for that appointment, especially since it is with a dentist recommended by your family. However, if the pain worsens or if you experience new symptoms such as swelling, increased sensitivity, or spontaneous pain, it would be prudent to seek immediate dental care. In the meantime, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid putting pressure on the affected tooth as much as possible.

In addition to your specific questions, I would like to emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups and addressing any dental issues promptly. If you find that your current dentist's evaluations do not align with your symptoms, seeking a second opinion is always a valid option. It’s essential to feel confident in your dental care provider, as effective communication and trust are key components of successful treatment.

Lastly, if you do end up needing further treatment, such as a root canal or additional fillings, it’s important to follow through with those recommendations to prevent further complications. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, will also help in managing your dental health.

I hope this information helps clarify your concerns, and I wish you the best in your upcoming dental appointment. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance.

Best regards.

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